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The weeks leading up to a major auto show are always suspenseful as everyone tries to guess what surprises are waiting under the sheets. Such anticipation also provides a breeding ground for off-the-wall rumors, like the one circulating the Internet suggesting that Audi will bring an electric R8 concept to the Frankfurt show in September.

French auto enthusiast magazine L’Automobile reports that Audi is planning to unveil an all-electric version of its flagship R8 supercar in Frankfurt in an effort to show up rival Mercedes-Benz. Rumors of an electric Audi have been floating around for weeks now, though they originally hinted at an electric version of one of the small cars in the Volkswagen Auto Group lineup. But with the official announcement of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG eDrive, the rumors now center on an electrified R8 known as the ePerformance R8.

With interest in electric-powered vehicles rising fast, numerous automakers have been tripping over themselves announcing plans to produce them. We expect to see several concept and production intent electric vehicles at Frankfurt, and we wouldn’t be totally surprised to see one from Audi — though the idea of an electric R8 being thrown together at the last minute seems a bit of a stretch. On the other hand, the idea of an electric SLS seemed farfetched, too, so anything’s possible.

Audi, of course, has little to say about it. We got in contact with Audi PR man Christian Bokich, who told us that right now, it’s just a rumor. Bokich says Audi hasn’t made any announcements yet about such a car and that it’s too early to start talking about Frankfurt anyway. That’s not a flat-out denial, mind you, so it’s still possible, however unlikely, that the ePerformance R8 is for real.

Speaking of rumors, there’s another Audi rumor making the internet rounds today courtesy of German publication Autobild. They claim that Audi, which currently offers one of the best user interfaces in the business, is going to kick it up a notch on the new A8 with a new touch pad-based interface that recognizes handwriting. Instead of having the user scroll through letters on a screen, the system would allow you to write the letters, presumably with your finger, on a touch pad and the system will recognize it and input it into the system. While intriguing, we have to wonder if such a system would lead to even more driver distraction.

On both counts, we’ll have to wait until Frankfurt in September to find out for sure. Until then, we’ll keep you updated on this any other rumors leading up to the show.